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We were quite happy with the exterior,
providing a lot of area from the right side of the camera to the lens,
which helped to eliminate fingers getting in the way of the lens.
Additionally, the shutter button at the top of the camera was nicely
sizeable for our chunky fingers. We were a bit disappointed, though, with
the size and slipperiness of the function buttons on the back of the
Stylus--the all-metal exterior was just too smooth and the buttons weren't
rubbery enough.
With the 3.2-megapixel
resolution, you’ll be able to capture enough image detail to print decent
11 by 14 print enlargements. But the best thing about more pixels is the
amount of stored pixel information, which enabled us to crop images on our
PC without losing much clarity or sharpness. At the highest quality
setting, you'll get 2,048 x 1,536 pixel images, but you can also step down
to lower pixel ranges--from 1,600 x 1,200 to 640 x 480.
You can also record small
QuickTime videos, though we found the movie mode to be fairly basic
compared to some of the other new releases of 2003. Since there's no
built-in microphone, your movies will be silent, and you can't utilize the
zoom while filming. Choose between 320 x 240 for 16 seconds and 160 x 120
for 40 seconds.
If you're looking for pure
point-and-shoot pleasure, the Stylus 300 is the camera for you. It's
nicely automated and ready to snap pics in a flash. We were also quite
happy with the battery life, though you might want to invest in an
additional battery (model
LI-12B) as well as a higher-capacity
XD card for
safety's sake. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
Pros
-
All-weather exterior means
never having to worry about rain, sleet, or snow
-
Great automatic
point-and-shoot features
-
Fast start-up time
Cons
Product Description
Capture shots in almost any weather conditions with the Olympus Stylus 300
3.2 MP Weatherproof Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom. The Stylus 300
responds fast after start-up and is ready to take pictures in about 3
seconds. Features: compact design; 3.2 MP CCD for beautiful prints up to
8x10"; 3x optical and 4x digital zoom lens; QuickTime movie mode (up to 40
sec. at 15 fps in SQ mode); 1-1/2" LCD; auto-connect USB for quick and
easy transferring of images from camera to computer; TruePic technology
for smoother, truer color; panorama availability with supplied XD-Picture
Card; DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) for easy printing at photo
specialty shops; 5 scene programs for various shooting conditions; one
Lithium Ion LI-10B and charger included; and 16 MB XD memory card that
hold 20 images at 2048 x 1536 HQ setting.
________________________________________________________________
Product Reviews:
There must be a better camera , February 12, 2006
Reviewer: gjportland
I gave my Nikon digital to my daughter when I purchased the Olympus
because I wanted a camera that was more 'weatherproof'. We spend quite a
bit of time at the beach and involve ourselves in some watersports
(kayaking). I did not feel comfortable with having the Nikon even near
anything wet. Upon examining the Olympus, I suspected that its 'weatherproofness'
was pretty weak. The hatch covers for the battery and usb port are quite
flimsy and way too easy to open accidentally. Although the covers do have
'o' ring type seals, it was obvious these will not hold back nominal
splashing water. Also, the lens slide is very vulnerable to sand -- so
taking the slide off and cleaning the slide grooves has become routine.
Mechanically, the camera just seems cheap --unlike the less expensive
Nikon that feels solid.
Using the camera is much more involved than the Nikon. I didn't appreciate
Nikon's menu setup/controls until I used the Olympus. It drove me nuts --
and still does.
On the plus side, the pics seem fine. And unlike other reviewers, I find
the battery life is pretty good. I do have a couple of back up batteries
that are always charged, so no problem. The chip holds lots of pics.
I have had many regular Olympus cameras in the past (all 35mm) and have
always thought highly of Olympus quality. Olympus just did not meet the
standards I expected when it came to this camera.
________________________________________________________________
good camera, kind of annoying controls, January 13, 2006
Reviewer: Michael A. Crookston
After falling in a river with my last digital camera (don't ask) I wanted
a durable camera that I wouldn't kill myself over if I lost or broke. This
was my concluded answer and thus far I've been pretty happy. I will say
this though; as far as I can tell you can't view pictures in a gallery
format without closing the lense and shutting the camera off. You can see
the picture you just took and leave it on, but not all of your photos. I
didn't think this was a big deal but I find it annoying. Also, the buttons
on the camera are very small and built low to the frame of the camera.
This makes it good for durability because they won't snap off or crack
from getting bumped or such, but, they are kind of hard to push. Also, the
screen is smaller than I realized and the zoom is practially NOTHING. It
didn't really seem like it on the pictures I viewed, but it's pretty tiny.
I was surprised at the memory capacity of the camera though, being a
smaller megapixel it of course requires less memory space, but a 256 mb
memory card holds around 325 pictures. I think this is a good camera and
is very functional for someone who just candidly takes photos. NOT for a
photographer buff.
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